It’s been over eight years since the ESP32 hit the maker scene as the successor to the wildly popular ESP8266. Back then, it promised a major leap forward—with built-in Bluetooth, dual-core processing, and integrated sensors like hall effect, touch, and even temperature monitoring. The best part? It launched at under $15, making advanced features accessible to hobbyists and pros alike.

But even in 2025, the question still comes up: Is the ESP32 a true replacement for the ESP8266 in every project? Not always. While it’s far more capable, there are trade-offs to consider—especially around power consumption, complexity, and use-case fit.

I’ve written a detailed, no-fluff breakdown that looks at the real-world pros and cons of the ESP32, along with a full tutorial to get you started with programming and setup.

https://tinkeriot.com/esp32-development-board-review-go-to-for-serious-diy-projects